Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...My disappointment in the musical version of "Back to the Future," zooming through Chicago for the next three weeks, is rooted in what this show could have been. And that has nothing to do with the show's signature DeLorean."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It’s fair to say that the success relies completely on longtime devotees of the films and the kids they bring with them, because this musical works only as fan service. For the critical — hey, it’s my job — there’s more pleasure to be had appreciating the nostalgia-driven joy of the audience than there is in what’s on stage, which is all frantic adrenaline."
Daily Herald
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The score isn’t especially memorable and the tone — which fluctuates from campy to sincere — is inconsistent. The energetic singer/actors who make up the ensemble can’t do much with paper-thin characters whose emotions are puddle-deep. Moreover, the actors often appear to be mimicking their big-screen counterparts, although I don’t expect the film’s faithful fans will mind."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...All that talent combined with the eye-popping visual elements makes this show more Disney World show ride than a typical Broadway baby. But that's why Back to the Future is so hard to resist."
Stage and Cinema
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The Broadway tour of Back to the Future, a musical adaptation of the beloved film, has landed at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace as part of a national tour. Directed by John Rando, it is visually marvelous and otherwise totally unmemorable. This is a theatre experience for fans of the movie, and fans, perhaps, that wouldn’t otherwise go see theatre. I think it’s great to try to get new audiences in the door, but it saddens me that this might be their first impression of a Broadway show. The spectacle is there. The acting is there. The dancing, and singing, and costumes are there, but the artistry is not."
Around The Town Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Taking a film that is a non-musical, and converting it into a stage musical, is not always effective. In fact, many never truly get the response that the original film had. I was fairly excited to see what Broadway In Chicago would be presenting on the stage at The Cadillac Palace theatre tonight, as the road company opened the Chicago production. They did have a De Lorean in front of the theatre , and they have a special one for the play itself. If you loved the movie, you might find some of the special effects t be amazing, but the actual story will not feel quite the same."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...While BACK TO THE FUTURE may not have the emotional gravity of LES MISERABLES, or the comic capacity of THE PRODUCERS or the distinctive dancing greatness of A CHORUS LINE, it’s a delightfully entertaining show that’s well worth seeing. It’s a captivating, fun fair festival for the whole family that stays true to its source, while adding its own inimitable technical and musical shine. The production showcases a large cast of talented, triple-threats, backed by an astounding array of work by a team of technically skilled theatre artists. Don’t miss a mesmerizing show that demonstrates how the timeless Power of Love can save the day."
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...During the lazy days of summer, who wants to see a depressing show that reminds you of all your troubles? Nobody. Instead, you just want to sit back and be entertained, right? And the national tour of Back to the Future is just the ticket. If you've run out of things for your kids to do this summer, this would be an excellent end-of-summer treat. The multi-million-dollar production has sass, spectacular special effects, fantastic dancers, sets galore, funny villains and all the ingredients of a show that the whole family will love. Broadway in Chicago brings the tour to the Cadillac Palace Theatre this week; it continues through the next three weeks."
Chicago On Stage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Back to the Future the Musical, which is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through Sep. 1, will not disappoint as a nostalgic journey—almost all of the beats from the movie are here, as well as the vast majority of the quotes we remember—but in order to be successful on its own it needs more than that. The individually good Alan Silvestri/Glen Ballard songs are not enough."
PicksInSix
- Recommended
"...At the opening of the national touring production of the John Rando directed “Back to the Future—The Musical” on Wednesday at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, I realized there was now a new generation introducing live theater to a much younger version as evidenced by a family of five sitting directly in front of me. It was apparent to me that somewhere along the line I had taken for granted Doc Brown’s childlike wonder or the campy awkwardness of George McFly as he heroically confronts Biff in a parking lot, but not this crew."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...For those familiar with the 1985 film version, you won’t be disappointed. Back to the Future: The Musical is a testament to the enhancement of an already great storyline. Despite minor technical difficulties, the show was a marvel. The crew’s adept handling of the situation was commendable. Back to the Future: The Musical is a thrilling journey that feels like a time-travel experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this production."
NewCity Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The performances are admirable but in virtually every case imitations of the caricatures in the film rather than the performers being allowed to develop their own characterizations."
